Partnerships in Parish Life. Drumragh Parish Groups. September 2013.

Transcription

1 Partnerships in Parish Life Drumragh Parish Groups September 2013.

2 Foreword I welcome this initiative by the Parish Pastoral Council. The material for this inventory of groups working in the Parish was compiled over the last few months. It may well not be complete as new groups continue to emerge and the details of all existing groups may still be unavailable to us. What this compilation shows clearly is the vast amount of voluntary work undertaken by a very large number of people for the good of the community. It is our hope that the spirit of voluntary endeavour will continue to thrive in our Parish. Mgr Joseph Donnelly P.P., V.F.

3 Index of Groups Page Group 1 Accord 2 Altar Servers, Sacred Heart Church 3 Altar Servers, St. Mary s Church Drumragh 4 Altar Society 5 Baptismal Preparation Group 6 Charismatic Prayer Group 7 Children s Liturgy of the Word 8 Choir Sacred Heart Senior Choir 9 Choir Sacred Heart Youth Choir 10 Choir Sacred Heart Junior Choir 11 Choir Sacred Heart, McSorley Sisters Choir 12 Choir St. Mary s Drumragh Choir 13 Cleaners - Sacred Heart Church 14 Collectors - Sacred Heart Church 15 Committee for the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults 16 Counters - Sacred Heart Church 17 Do This in Memory of Me Group 18 Drumragh Parish Pastoral Council 19 Edmund Rice Summer Camp 20 Eucharistic Ministers 21 Faith and Light Group 22 Finance Committee 23 I.H.C.P.T The Irish Pilgrimage Trust 24 Knights of Columbanus 25 Legion of Mary - Women 26 Legion of Mary - Men 27 Liturgy Committee 28 Marriage Tribunal Auditors 29 Ministers of The Word, Sacred Heart Church 30 Ministers of The Word, St. Mary s Church Drumragh 31 Omagh Churches Forum 32 Parish Draw Committee 33 Pioneer Association 34 Pope John Paul II Awards 35 Prayer Guides 36 RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults 37 Senior Citizens Club 38 SPRED 39 St. Joseph s Ladies Club 40 St. Joseph s Prayer Group 41 St. Vincent de Paul 42 SVP English Classes 43 Ulster Project

4 Name of Parish Group: Accord When was your group established? 1975 To offer Counselling and Marriage Preparation to couples and individuals. When do you meet? Counselling takes place up to two/three days/nights each week. Where do you meet? In the Pastoral Centre, Brook Street. Our work has two main strands: Relationship counselling facilitating couples and individuals to explore, reflect upon and resolve difficulties in their marriage and relationship; Marriage preparation provide couples with time out to explore relationship issues in preparation for the life-long commitment of marriage. How many are involved in the work of your group? We have nine people involved. Have you a committee? Yes. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? New members have to go through a selection and vetting process. Mrs Brid McCann, (Chairperson),

5 Name of Parish Group: Altar Servers, Sacred Heart Church To assist the priest at Liturgical Services. When do you meet? As required. Where do you meet? Sacred Heart Church/St. Mary s Church. Serving at Mass and at other Liturgical Services. How many are involved in the work of your group? The parish has thirty seven altar servers. Have you a committee? No. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Children, both boys and girls, who wish to become altar servers can volunteer through their Primary School as soon as they reach Primary Five. They will then be asked to attend for training. Curate / Parish Office

6 Parish Group: Altar Servers, St. Mary s Church Drumragh To provide altar servers for church services. When do you meet? When needed. Where do you meet? St. Mary s Drumragh. Training the children. Getting them dressed and organized for the services. How many are involved in the work of your group? We have twelve children in the group. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Through Sacred Heart P.S., All Saint s P.S., and other schools to contact Ann Doherty. Ann Doherty

7 Name of Parish Group: Altar Society When was your group established? About 1982 To decorate the Sacred Heart Church with flowers on a weekly basis and also for special occasions. Where do you meet? The Pastoral Centre. Obtaining and preparing the flowers, decorating the Church and maintaining the displays. How many are involved in the work of your group? We have about eighteen members. Have you a committee? Yes. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Volunteer to any member of the group. New members are very welcome! Maura Sharpe/ Parish Office

8 Name of Parish Group: Baptismal Preparation Group When was your group established? 2013 To prepare parents for the Sacrament of Baptism through preparation evenings. Where do you meet? The Pastoral Centre. We invite parents to attend a Service of Blessing and a baptismal preparation before booking the baptism through the Parish Office. How many are involved in the work of your group? We have about 20 members. Have you a committee? Yes. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Volunteer to any member of the group. For further details please contact

9 Parish Group: Charismatic Prayer Group When was your group established? 1976 To serve our local community through prayer. When do you meet? Every Thursday night at 8.15 p.m.; Rosary at 7.50 p.m. Where do you meet? Pastoral Centre, Brook St. The evening is led by a group member or visiting speaker and begins with hymns of praise and worship and prayers of thanksgiving. The Word of God in Scripture is read and shared under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There is a time of intercession to pray for people and situations in need of prayer. Prayer ministry is offered. How many are involved in the work of your group? There are fifty five members. Have you a committee? Yes, a Core Team of ten people. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Come along any Thursday evening. Evelyn Heaney , evelynheaney@hotmail.com Kathleen Winters ; ktwinters12345@aol.com

10 Parish Group: Children s Liturgy of the Word When was your group established? 2002 To help children understand the Word of God in a language they can understand. When do you meet? The children s Liturgy takes place during Lent and Advent Where do you meet? St. Vincent s Hall. Preparing the Sunday Gospel to present it to children aged 7 10 years approximately. How many are involved in the work of your group? Two and volunteers. Have you a committee? No. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Volunteer. Kathleen Winters and Anne Kelly

11 Name of Parish Group: Sacred Heart Church Senior Choir. When was your group established? Probably soon after the opening of the present Church in To provide music for all the major liturgical services during the Church year. When do you meet? On Tuesday evenings from September June. Where do you meet? St. Mary s Hall. How many are involved in the work of your group? At present there are twenty members in the Senior Choir. Have you a committee? Yes. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? By coming along to one of our practices. Paul Pritchard

12 Name of Parish Group: Sacred Heart Church Youth Choir When was your group established? September To enhance the liturgy and encourage greater participation of young people in the life of the parish. When do you meet? We have a practice on Saturdays at 3 p.m. Where do you meet? Pastoral Centre. We generally sing at the p.m. Sunday Mass. How many are involved in the work of your group? At present we have ten members. Have you a committee? No. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Contact a member of the Youth choir, speak to us after Mass or leave your details with the Parish Secretary. Conn Haughey

13 Name of Parish Group: Sacred Heart Church Junior Choir When was your group established? Advent To enhance the liturgy and promote involvement of youth through bringing together members from different schools. When do you meet? Every Wednesday from 4 5 p.m. Where do you meet? St. Colmcille s Primary School, Brook Street. Rehearsals and singing at a weekend Mass. How many are involved in the work of your group? Two adults and around sixteen children. New members are very welcome. Have you a committee? No. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? The choir is openly advertised in schools, parish bulletin and announced from the altar. McSorley Sisters

14 Parish Group: Sacred Heart, McSorley Sisters Choir When was your group established? 1985 The purpose of this group is to provide sacred music to enrich the celebration of the various sacraments of the church. When do you meet? Once a week. Where do you meet? At the accompanist s home. Singing at Masses including alternate Saturday evenings, anniversaries and other celebrations including weddings and funerals. How many are involved in the work of your group? This is a group of four sisters and their accompanist. Have you a committee? No Siobhan Mullin

15 Parish Group: Church Choir, St. Mary s Church Drumragh We sing every Sunday at the 10 a.m. Mass from September to June and at other important Parish occasions e.g. Cemetery Sunday, funerals etc. When do you meet? We meet for a choir practice on Tuesday night and on Sunday morning. Where do you meet? In St. Mary s Church Drumragh. Learning new hymns and responses for the Mass. How many are involved in the work of your group? We have eighteen regular choir members though the number of singers changes from week to week as a few of our members are at university and some work in Belfast/Dublin during the week. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? New members can contact the choir leader or any member of the choir we would be delighted to have more members! Marie Campbell

16 Parish Group: Sacred Heart Church Cleaners When was your group established? The new cleaning teams were established soon after the Church renovations were completed in To clean our beautiful Sacred Heart Church and ensure that it is always well maintained and welcoming for worshippers. When do you meet? There are two groups of cleaners, a Monday group and a Tuesday group. Both begin their work after morning Mass at around 11 a.m. Where do you meet? In the Sacred Heart Church. The Monday group collect any litter, sweep the floors, hoover the floors, dust the seats, polish the brass and clean the altar area. The Tuesday group mops and washes the floors and completes any additional cleaning required. How many are involved in the work of your group? Each of the cleaning teams has 7 or 8 members. Have you a committee? No. Membership is voluntary and completely ad-hoc. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Come along on a Monday or Tuesday morning. New cleaners are always welcome. Contact Declan Norris / Sacristan - Sacred Heart Church.

17 Name of Parish Group: Collectors When was your group established? Many years ago. To collect the weekly donations in Church. When do you meet? On a few occasions. Where do you meet? St. Vincent s Hall. Walking along the aisles to circulate the baskets in which parishioners place their donations. How many are involved in the work of your group? We have about fifty collectors. Have you a committee? No. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Anyone interested should contact one of the priests of the parish. New collectors are very welcome to join the group. Paddy McGowan

18 Name of Parish Group: Committee for the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults When was your group established? 2006/2007 To promote and maintain a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults participating in Church liturgies and activities. When do you meet? Monthly Committee meetings are held in the Parochial House. Other meetings 1 or 2 times per week as required are held in the Parish Office. Implementing the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy and procedures. Vetting all volunteers who are involved in Church regulated activities. How many are involved in the work of your group? We have four members. Have you a committee? Yes. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Contact any member of the Committee. Peg O Neill, Kevin Miley, Parish Office at

19 Name of Parish Group: Counters When was your group established? Around Counting and recording the donations contributed weekly by parishioners via envelopes and the collection baskets. When do you meet? Once per week. Opening the envelopes, counting the contents and noting the amount on the envelope for later recording for Parish Office records. Counting the loose plate. Counting other collections such as Trocaire. How many are involved in the work of your group? There are between 20 and 25 people available to work as counters. Have you a committee? No. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Contact one of the team mentioned below. Patrick McLoone or Sean Doyle

20 Parish Group: Do This in Memory of Me When was your group established? 2005 To help Parents/Guardians/Parish take a more active role in First Communion preparation of children in the schools of the Parish. When do you meet? First meeting with Parents/Guardians in September. Afterwards we meet with our own group to prepare etc. Where do you meet? St Joseph s Hall and Pastoral Centre. Organising volunteers (Parents of Year 4 pupils) to take part in the Liturgy of the Masses of the Programme. Visiting schools with information, ordering the books for the Programme etc. How many are involved in the work of your group? Two people plus Volunteers. Have you a committee? No. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Volunteer. Anne Kelly , Kathleen Winters

21 Parish Group: Drumragh Parish Pastoral Council When was your group established? Seven Pastoral Council members were elected at a Parish Assembly held on Sat 15 th October Along with our two priests and five co-opted members, they formed the first Parish Pastoral Council. The Parish Pastoral Council is a forum where the priests and representatives of the parishioners seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning the way forward for the parish. Their role concerns the pastoral and spiritual development of the parish. Working in partnership with the priests of the parish and using a collaborative approach, its major focus is to identify the potential of its people and to involve them in building up the parish as a faith community. When do you meet? Once a month, in the Pastoral Centre. In this the establishment phase of the Council, our purposes are: o to promote a Sense of the Presence of Christ among the people of the parish. o to acknowledge, celebrate and communicate the existing great work being done by many parish members through the wide variety of parish organizations o to encourage a Sense of Personal Responsibility for the faith of our parish and facilitate further participation and partnership in sharing the talents of all members of our parish community in the years ahead o to listen to the community and work to address the developing pastoral and spiritual needs of our parish in the C21 st beginning with those identified in the Parish Survey (April 2011) How many are involved in the work of your group? Initially, the Parish Council had 14 members, Mgr. Donnelly, Fr. McDevitt, six women and six men. Have you a committee? Yes. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? New members will be co-opted on to the Council. Mgr. Joseph Donnelly, P.P.

22 Parish Group: Edmund Rice Summer Camp (Omagh) When was your group established? In Omagh since 2000 (Other camps in Waterford, Kilkenny and Dublin) To provide a group of children with a week of fun activities when they can make new friends and grow in self esteem and confidence. Gives Leaders experiences of working as a team and opportunities to develop skills and self confidence while also exploring their spirituality and developing their awareness of issues surrounding social justice. When do you meet? There are 4 Training Days for Leaders in the Spring. We also meet to prepare for the week of camp, for fundraising events and for a Christmas Party for the children Where do you meet? Training is held in the Pastoral Centre with the summer camp centred in the CBS Sports Hall. Organising a week long summer camp, (non-residential) for children P4 P7, involving a wide range of activities sports, games, treasure hunts, day trips, arts and crafts and more. Activities are led by young adults, years under close supervision of an experienced adult team. How many are involved in the work of your group? This year we have about 60 young leaders working with 35 children. Numbers are growing each year and the camp may be expanded to provide two separate weeks. Have you a committee? A National Executive Committee in Dublin headed by Br. Chris Glavey, coordinates all camps. A local Committee is comprised of mentors and coordinators with extensive experience from previous summer camps. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Every year new leaders are selected from applications made through the CBS and Loreto Convent. RE Department, Christian Brothers School, Omagh

23 Name of Parish Group: Eucharistic Ministers When was your group established? 1970s To distribute Holy Communion. When do you meet? Once a year for a Day of Reflection. Where do you meet? St. Joseph s Hall/Pastoral Centre. To assist the priest in distributing Holy Communion at weekday and weekend Masses; in Nursing Homes; to the sick and housebound every third Sunday and on request. How many are involved in the work of your group? There are about one hundred Ministers. Have you a committee? No. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? New members are nominated by priests and given training. Kathleen Winters/ Parish Office

24 Parish Group: Faith and Light Group When was your group established? 1985 To bond family members with a child/adult with disability with other families and to celebrate the gifts/special role of families. When do you meet? Once a month a Sunday afternoon from p.m. Where do you meet? Usually in the Pastoral Centre. Occasionally visiting other communities/ attending regional and national Pilgrimages. Fun! Music! Fiesta! Mass! Meal! Prayer! Pilgrimage! Friendship! How many are involved in the work of your group? It isn t work we are a community with up to sixty members. Have you a committee? Yes, called a Core Group. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Invitation/word of mouth/referral. Brenda Bannon c/o Loreto Grammar School

25 Name of Parish Group: Finance Committee When was your group established? In 2005 The committee is a consultative group set up to assist the Parish Priest in the administration of the funds and property of the parish. When do you meet? At least four times a year. Where do you meet? In the Parochial House. Providing assistance to the Parish Priest in the work of administration of the finances of the parish and the property of the parish. How many are involved in the work of your group? Seven members. Have you a committee? Yes. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? By statute the Parish Priest appoints members to the Committee. Mgr. J Donnelly, Parish Priest

26 Name of Parish Group: I.H.C.P.T The Irish Pilgrimage Trust Group 190. When was your group established? The main umbrella of the Trust was founded 40 years ago. The Omagh group has been travelling to Lourdes for the past 22 years. To raise funds to help cover the expenses of bringing young handicapped people to Lourdes and also to raise awareness of the organization. When do you meet? As a group we meet 4 6 times a year. Where do you meet? At various locations. Our regional group meets at the Glenavon Hotel in Cookstown twice a year. Fundraising and accompanying young handicapped people to Lourdes. How many are involved in the work of your group? We have approximately thirteen helpers. Have you a committee? We have a Regional Committee and a National Board of Trustees. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? They can contact the group leader who then logs their details with the Head Office. Louise O Hagan , Maureen Devine

27 Name of Parish Group: Knights of Columbanus When was your group established? In The Knights of Columbanus is an Order of laymen who support the Catholic faith and provide faith development to its members and to the wider Irish Catholic Church. All members locally support their clergy and carry out charitable work at local, national and international levels. When do you meet? Once a month. Where do you meet? In the Pastoral Centre. Each member is involved with his local Parish in supporting his clergy and in promoting the Catholic Faith. Members are involved in lobbying through friends and organizations, decision makers and Policy makers at all levels, local to international, to influence them in making decisions which are in line with Catholic teaching. They have been involved in a number of faith initiatives such as the John Paul II Awards and are currently promoting the Friends of Anna and Simeon. How many are involved in the work of your group? We have 40 members. Have you a committee? Yes. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? By invitation. , koc@iol.ie Telephone:

28 Parish Group: Legion of Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Praesidium (Women) When was your group established? 1986 The object of the Legion of Mary is the Glory of God through the holiness of its members developed by prayer and active cooperation in Mary and the Church s work of advancing the reign of Christ in the world. When do you meet? Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. Where do you meet? St. Vincent s Hall. Legionaries visit homes with the Rosary statue, praying the Rosary, distributing miraculous medals, brown scapulars and prayer leaflets to the family. The treasures of our Catholic faith Holy Mass, Sacraments, prayer and Eucharistic adoration are promoted. Four Nursing Homes are visited weekly and the rosary Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed with the residents. Time is spent chatting and listening to them which they appreciate. How many are involved in the work of your group? Seven members. Have you a committee? Yes. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? By contacting a Legionary member or attending a meeting any Tuesday night. Mary Rose Rice , Kathleen McGee

29 Parish Group: Legion of Mary, Mary, Mother of the Church Praesidium (Men) When was your group established? 1974 To make Our Blessed Lady better known in the Parish. Presenting the true faith of the Roman Catholic Church. When do you meet? Every Thursday at 8.10 p.m. Where do you meet? St. Vincent s Hall beside the Sacred Heart Church. Rosary Crusade to homes, visitation of the sick in hospitals etc. How many are involved in the work of your group? Six. Have you a committee? Yes. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? By attending a weekly meeting. Sean Taggart

30 Name of Parish Group: Liturgy Committee To plan and co-ordinate for major liturgical ceremonies. When do you meet? Once a month from September to May. Where do you meet? Pastoral Centre. How many are involved in the work of your group? Nine members. Have you a committee? Yes, with nine members. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? New members are invited to join by one of the priests. Contact one of the priests through the Parish Office at

31 Name of Parish Group: Marriage Tribunal Auditors When was your group established? In the 1980s. On request from the Derry Office of the Armagh regional Marriage Tribunal, auditors take evidence from witnesses in cases of appeals for nullity of marriage. When do you meet? As required. Where do you meet? Usually in the Pastoral Centre. Following a questionnaire supplied by the Marriage Tribunal, the auditor records in writing the answers of the witness and returns the written evidence to the Tribunal. How many are involved in the work of your group? Between the parishes of Drumragh and Cappagh, there are currently five auditors. Have you a committee? No. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? The Tribunal provides training for new auditors from time to time. The Parish puts forward names on request from the Tribunal. Mgr. J Donnelly, Parish Priest.

32 Name of Parish Group: Ministers of The Word, Sacred Heart Church When was your group established? 1970s. The Reading of Scripture at Mass and other Liturgies. God speaks to the people as the Reader proclaims God s Word in the church. The Reader becomes an instrument of Christ and of His Grace that is offered through the Reading. When do you meet? Once a year for a Day of Reflection. Where do you meet? Pastoral Centre or St. Joseph s Hall. Reading at week-end Masses, 10 a.m. Mass on weekdays and 8 a.m. Mass during Lent as well as at other special Liturgies e.g. Cemetery Sunday, Services at Easter, memorial Services for the Dead etc. How many are involved in the work of your group? About eighty people. Have you a committee? No. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? New members are commissioned by a priest. Evelyn Heaney , evelynheaney@hotmail.com

33 Parish Group. Ministers of The Word, St. Mary s Church Drumragh When was your group established? About ten years ago. The Reading of Scripture at Mass and other Liturgies. God speaks to the people as the Reader proclaims God s Word in the church. The Reader becomes an instrument of Christ and of His Grace that is offered through the Reading. Reading at Sunday Morning Masses, 10 a.m. as well as at other special Liturgies. We organize for someone from a list of readers or someone who regularly attends St. Mary s to read at Masses for a month. How many are involved in the work of your group? We have ten twelve members. Have you a committee? No. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Give your name to the Secretary in the Parish Office, Breda Campbell

34 Parish Group: Omagh Churches Forum.When was your group established? 1996 A small group of clergy had been meeting informally and with the support of Omagh District Council, the Churches Forum was developed with representatives from the main Christian Churches, (Catholic, Methodist, Church of Ireland, and Presbyterian). Following the Omagh bomb in August 1998, clergy were needed by all sections of the community and the role of the Forum in relation to community healing became a prominent one. Their main role is to encourage understanding of each others traditions among the local congregations. When do you meet? Every two months on a Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. Where do you meet? On a rota basis in the halls of participating member s Churches. The Forum exists to provide opportunities for member Churches to meet and grow in their understanding and respect for each other. It also aims to provide interchurch leadership on issues such as sectarianism, trust building and toleration of cultures, community relations and reconciliation. Their main objectives include enabling people from all traditions to work together for the good of their communities on spiritual, moral and social welfare issues; increasing mutual understanding and developing cross-denominational friendships; building links with other agencies to improve the work of the Forum. How many are involved in the work of your group? There are currently 18 members. Have you a committee? Yes. There are two Co-Chairs, one Catholic, one Protestant, a Treasurer and a Secretary, (this role carried out by Focus, Community House). How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? By invitation. Fr Joseph Gormley, CC Cappagh.

35 Name of Parish Group: Parish Draw Committee When was your group established? 1994 To gather money for specific Church Projects presently paying off debt on St. Mary s Church and the adjoining graveyard. When do you meet? The first week of each month. Where do you meet? St. Joseph s Hall. Monitor and receipt all the contributions and bank the returns. How many are involved in the work of your group? Ten people. Have you a committee? Yes. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? By volunteering their services. Curate / The Parish Office

36 Name of Parish Group: Pioneer Association When was your group established? Over a hundred years ago. To promote the Pioneer Association and to raise awareness of the dangers arising from the abuse of alcohol and drugs. When do you meet? Every month. Where do you meet? In St. Joseph s Hall. Our work includes the enrollment of new members of the Pioneer Association, attending Regional meetings, Diocesan Masses and retreats. Socially, we also have an annual dance. How many are involved in the work of your group? We have twelve members. Have you a committee? Yes. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Contact any member, call the number available in the weekly Mass bulletin or see the details on the notice boards in the Church. Mary Prunty , Mary Tierney or any Committee members.

37 Name of Parish Group: Pope John Paul II Awards When was your group established? The scheme, aimed at students in Post-Primary schools, was launched in the Derry Diocese in To commemorate the late Pope John Paul II who was so committed to young people and who showed such a belief and confidence in them. The scheme encourages young people to take an active part in the life of their local Church community and society. Its aim is to make participants more aware of the teaching and role of the Catholic Church in the world around them. The work of the leaders involves guiding the young people in Year 13 to become more involved in their parishes and to consequently increase their social skills and their social awareness. Students make a commitment to give up a certain amount of their time each week to working in various parish and local community activities. Students who successfully complete the scheme can gain awards at Bronze, Silver and Gold Levels. How many are involved in the work of your group? The numbers of students involved varies from year to year according to the schools taking part and the number of students who live in local parishes within the Derry Diocese. Have you a committee? No. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Contact the R.E. department in the local participating Post Primary schools, Christian Brothers Grammar School, Loreto Grammar School, Sacred Heart College.

38 Parish Group: Prayer Guides When was your group established? 1996 To promote Scripture-based retreats. To provide annually (i) a week of Guided Prayer, (ii) Lead reflections on Scripture during Lent and Advent (iii) Lead a Confirmation retreat. When do you meet? Bi-monthly in Omagh/Thorn Hill in Derry. Where do you meet? Pastoral Centre in Omagh. Confirmation Retreat provide a story of child s place in God s salvation plan; dramas, hymns, quizzes and a time for led meditation. During the week of guided prayer we help retreatants to develop a personal prayer life. How many are involved in the work of your group? Eighteen. Have you a committee? Yes. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Existing Prayer Guides discern who may be suitable for this Ministry. Marie Conway

39 Parish Group: RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults When was your group established? In 2011 this parish joined with Cappagh Parish to establish the RCIA programme. Preparing adults to join and become full members of the Catholic Church. When do you meet? On the last Monday of every month. Where do you meet? In the Pastoral Centre, Brook Street, Omagh. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process for initiation into the Catholic Church for those people (adults and children) who have not been baptised, have been baptized in a different Christian tradition, or who have been baptised Catholic and have not received the sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation. We are trained to prepare people for the Sacraments so that they can be initiated as full members of the Catholic Church. How many are involved in the work of your group? Six people, three from each of the two parishes, Drumragh and Cappagh. Have you a committee? Yes and the group is linked with and answerable to the Derry Diocese. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? By contacting the Chairperson. Anne Kelly, (Chairperson)

40 Name of Parish Group: Senior Citizens Club When was your group established? Re-formed Feb/Mar 2000 To bring senior citizens together in a safe and friendly environment. When do you meet? Tuesday afternoons. Where do you meet? St. Joseph s Hall. Each week we have a cup of tea, chat, bingo and a variety of other business. Every year we organize an outing, a cross-community Hallowe en party and a Christmas party. How many are involved in the work of your group? We have fourteen volunteer memebers at present. Have you a committee? Yes. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Come along on a Tuesday afternoon. Kathleen McGarrity (Chairperson) , Ann Stevenson (Secretary)

41 Parish Group: SPRED (Special Programme of R.E. for those with Disabilities) When was your group established? 1985 To provide one-to-one catechesis and to call those with disabilities to claim their place in parish life. When do you meet? Wednesdays p.m. during term time. Where do you meet? Upstairs in St. Joseph s Hall with an attached Prayer Room given to us by Mgr. Rooney when the Hall opened. Time of silent art/craft; a time of symbolic catechesis; time to socialize. How many are involved in the work of your group? At present, six Catechists and four people with disabilities. Have you a committee? We have roles: Leader catechists; Activity catechists; Helper catechists. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Word of mouth/ Parish newsletter/invitation. Brenda Bannon c/o Loreto Grammar School

42 Name of Parish Group: St. Joseph s Ladies Club When was your group established? 1994 Social, educational and cultural interests of the ladies in the Parish. We also organize informal get-togethers with guest speakers. When do you meet? On Wednesday evenings. Where do you meet? St. Joseph s Hall. Our activities include fund-raising, crafts, keep fit, coffee mornings, assisting in the kitchen at Confirmations etc. How many are involved in the work of your group? We have twenty two members. Have you a committee? Yes. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? By attending our weekly meetings on a Wednesday or by contacting one of the members listed below. Anna Taggart , Margaret Haigney

43 Parish Group: St. Joseph s Prayer Group When was your group established? 2008 To provide people with an opportunity for a time of structured prayer and reflection before the Blessed Sacrament. When do you meet? Wednesdays at 8.15 p.m. Where do you meet? The Christian Brother s Oratory. The group does not carry out any Pastoral work as such. The group s purpose revolves around prayer. How many are involved in the work of your group? About eight people. Have you a committee? No. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? The group is open to anyone who wishes to come along to the weekly meeting. Siobhan Sweeney , John Mc Sorley

44 Name of Parish Group: St. Vincent de Paul When was your group established? St. Columba s Conference, Omagh was founded in We strive to seek and find those in our community who are: in NEED, FORGOTTEN, VICTIMS of EXCLUSION or ADVERSITY. When do you meet? Every Monday at 8 p.m. Where do you meet? In our conference room Vincent s 10 Castle St., Omagh. Home visitation is the cornerstone of our work. We discuss in confidence the immediate needs of the family; prioritise problems, talk through all possible solutions and agree a practical way forward. We may provide short term financial assistance, food vouchers or fuel. As we work closely with various local agencies it may be necessary to seek their professional help. We encourage families to use our budget cards and oil saving scheme. Our members also visit the elderly, lonely, bereaved, hospitals, nursing homes and schools. How many are involved in the work of your group? We have about twenty active members, both male and female. Have you a committee? Yes. The committee is headed by a President who holds office for three years with an optional two years. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? By contacting an SVP member or by leaving name and contact details in Vincent s Shop, 10 Castle St., Omagh. Training is provided prior to becoming a member. The President, SVP, 10 Castle St., Omagh

45 Name of Parish Group: St. Vincent de Paul English Classes When was your group established? In The St. Vincent de Paul English classes for immigrants were established for three purposes: (i) to teach English, especially spoken (ii) to befriend and assist new arrivals in their search for employment, housing, friendship and their welfare rights generally (iii) to provide a welcoming space and an opportunity for social interaction. When do you meet? We meet every Wednesday morning from 9 a.m. until a.m. during school term times. Where do you meet? In the Pastoral Centre, Brook Street, Omagh. The tutors teach small groups of varying ability levels. There are opportunities for one-to-one tuition also. How many are involved in the work of your group? We have a pool of six regular tutors. Have you a committee? No. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? New tutors can join us at the class or leave their details at Vincent s Shop in Castle Street. Tony Brogan

46 Name of Parish Group: Ulster Project When was your group established? Thirty years ago. The Project has two aims; Reconciliation and Personal Development. It introduces groups of 15 year olds from our church to those of the same age in other Christian Churches both here and in the U.S.A. When do you meet? Every week from February to June. Where do you meet? In various local Church Halls. Discussions, fun activities, fundraising for the trip to the United States and organizing a talent show. How many are involved in the work of your group? 24 teenagers and 4 adults. Have you a committee? Yes, with three members. How can new members join the group or become involved in its activities? Apply to join. There is a selection process. Fr. Kevin Mullan, 257 Dooish Road, Drumquin Ann Fleming, 27 Brook Valley, Omagh